“The ordinary person’s mind is the Way. This very mind, just as it is, is Buddha.” Recently my fellow teacher, Kendo Roshi, suggested that we look into Bankei’s writings together. While reading Bankei’s writings what seemed so famailiar is what I often refer to as “resting in naturalness [of mind]”. Bankei says that, for example,Continue reading “Unborn Mind”
Tag Archives: spirituality
Baisaō’s Tea
Waves roil in the earthen pot the wind’s thin wail starts up simmering tea and serving it, offering it to all mankind; a shame no one who comes understands it’s real taste; siting alone I brew for myself a tea beyond compare. This poem is from “The Old Tea Seller” a book of poems byContinue reading “Baisaō’s Tea”
easy
Is it possible to move through life with a sense of ease in this stressful world we inhabit? Can we embrace a way of being that is not forced and free from excessive striving, that is true to nature? There is a natural rhythm in nature that is in tune with the rhythm of ourContinue reading “easy”
Life On Purpose
I’ve been reading Norman Fischer’s book, Zen Teachings on the Practice of Lojong. It’s a mind training practice on compassion. Fischer has put a Zen spin on this traditionally Tibetan practice. A Dharma brother suggested it. I’ve also had a meaningful encounter with another dharma brother who is deeply engaged with Tea Ceremony, an intentionalContinue reading “Life On Purpose”
The Way of Everyday Life
The effortless nature of being requires effort on our part. It’s been a while since I’ve written to you. I have spent a couple of months away from group practice. It has been a time of reflection and rediscovery. Delving deeply into the roots of Zen practice there was something I knew before, something I’veContinue reading “The Way of Everyday Life”
Earth Body Propelling at the Edge of the World
Notes on circumventing Torres del Paine in Chilean Patagonia, “The O-Trek.” by Madison Sokukai McClintock Late Autumn, end of the season. Distance: ~75 miles / 119 km. Total Elevation Gain: ~16,309ft / 4,971 meters 8 days walking, weighted by basic survival supplies, 24+ meals worth of food, the non-negotiables – camera, watercolors, binoculars. Feeling theContinue reading “Earth Body Propelling at the Edge of the World”
MudSeason
The Spring Equinox! A glorious time of rebirth of Mother Earth, trees blossoming, tiny buds opening into verdant green, tulips, brilliant blossoms! Bunnies and baby animals! A time of hope, joy, reawakening and… MUD. In Northern New England, from whence Zenho and I originate, MudSeason is perhaps the most bitched about season of the year.Continue reading “MudSeason”
Elixir
Wu-Men Kuan, Case 24: It All Outside Words A monk asked Wind-Source Mountain: “Word or silence- either way you cross over into its all broken between Presence and Absence, the differentiated and the undifferentiated. How do I avoid that transgression altogether? Master Wind-Source replied: I always remember, south of the river, that third month: mountain-partridgeContinue reading “Elixir”
7 Gems
the moon in the pines looks cold cloud after cloud drifts up ridge upon ridge unfolds the view is for ten-thousand miles and the pool in the gorge is clear like looking through a mirror treasures of a magic terrace the seven gems can’t match you ~ Pickup “From Temple Walls, The Collected Poems ofContinue reading “7 Gems”
The Still World
“Spring water is pure in an emerald stream moonlight is white on Cold Mountain silence thoughts and the spirit becomes clear focus on emptiness and world grows still.” -Han-shan Throughout history monks and enlightened persons have left behind the distractions of the world and retreated to the mountains and rivers of the wild places. There theyContinue reading “The Still World”
No Gate Zen Center 